Last updated on October 7, 2024

Annecy, often called the Venice of the Alps, is one of those magical destinations where you wonder why it isn’t more famous. Backed by the Alps and on the edge of the spectacular Lake Annecy, the colourful Savoie town is almost unbelievably picture perfect. It’s the epitome of a fairytale destination.
We spent time there doing a home exchange on the outskirts of Annecy, getting to know the lake and falling for all its charms. It’s a place I can imagine returning again and again.
Annecy is the biggest of the lake towns, but this guide also includes tips on how to explore Lake Annecy itself and some of the smaller lakeside towns. Here’s everything you need to plan your Annecy adventure.
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What’s Annecy like?



Annecy wears its history on its sleeve with colourful medieval buildings, cobblestone streets and canals that tell the story of its various rulers, from the Counts of Geneva to the House of Savoy. Its history provides the building blocks of its charms, but of course it’s the lake that steals the show. In a shade of hyper turquoise and regarded as the cleanest in Europe, the Alpine lake is exquisitely beautiful.
Nowadays, while Annecy is clearly a magnet for tourists, it’s also a town that retains a thriving local culture and has made a name for itself as a creative hub. This is in part because of the world-renowned Annecy International Animation Film Festival that takes place every spring.
The town is also only 30 minutes from Geneva, which combined with the quality of life its lakeside setting offers, has helped make it an attractive place to live with everyone from locals to expats to retirees.
This makes for a town that has life beyond its tourism and a culture that caters to creatives and locals as well as visitors, especially when you venture further than the historic centre.
Map of things to do in Annecy and beyond
Things to do in Annecy and beyond
Annecy is one of those places where you can simply wander to experience its charms. But there are many things to do beyond that. Here are some picks of the best things to do in Annecy and beyond.
Cycle around Lake Annecy





Cycling the perimeter of Lake Annecy is one of the most popular activities in the area, and for good reason. The 42-kilometer ride offers spectacular views and mostly excellent bike paths, making it a joyful experience for cyclists of all levels. It was our favourite day in Annecy.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of lovely swimming spots, including at Talloires, Plage de Doussard, and Saint Jorioz. And there are also a few cool bike cafés along the route, such as L’Abri Cyclette, Le Bon Wagon, and La Petite Reine. If you’re planning to stop for lunch, consider Les Jardins du Taillefer, an organic, veggie farm (but be sure to arrive before 1:45pm, as they stop serving after that – yep, we got caught out!)
If you think the distance might be too challenging, especially when tackling the hills on the eastern side, consider renting electric bikes to make the journey easier. And be sure to cycle clockwise to avoid a steep section near Talloires (and believe me, it’s really steep!).
While most of the route is on spacious cycle paths, there’s a stretch between Veyrier-du-Lac and Talloires that runs along a busy road without a dedicated bike lane. You’ll be sharing the road with other cyclists, so it feels relatively safe, but it may be worth avoiding if you’re not comfortable with road cycling.
Bike rentals are easy to find in Annecy and the surrounding lake towns, like Talloires and Doussard. We rented ours from Cyclable Location Pâquier—two electric bikes and a kids’ trailer—with no issues at all.
Rent a boat on the lake




For a more leisurely way to enjoy the lake, rent a pedalo or an electric boat. Prices start around €22 per hour, and it’s a fantastic way to take in the views from the water and go for a swim. Some even come with slides.
Drift along at your own pace, swim in the lake’s refreshing waters, or simply relax under the sun while you soak in the stunning Alpine surroundings. There are pedalos available beside the Lover’s Bridge in Annecy, and we also rented one on the beach at Doussard.
You can also do guided tours on bigger boats that take you around the lake, stopping at various villages/sights en route.
Go paragliding
We saw so many paragliders above Lake Annecy that they looked like a swarm of unusual birds. They take off from Col de Forlclaz in the south and land at Doussard or Perroix. Have a go yourself or simply watch from Doussard Plage. Or, for even better views, head to Le Balcon du Lac at Col du Forclaz where you can watch from the terrace.
Explore Annecy Market




I always love to seek out local markets and Annecy’s is a gem. The medieval town was literally made for markets like these and the setting couldn’t be more picture perfect.
Held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the market is filled with local cheeses, fruits, vegetables, pastries, and handmade crafts. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample the region’s flavours. I recommend putting together a picnic to enjoy by the lake or in one of the town’s parks.
Visit Chateau D’Annecy

Overlooking the town, Chateau D’Annecy is a must-see for history buffs and art lovers. Once a home for the Counts of Geneva, this historic castle now houses a range of art exhibits and offers panoramic views of the town and lake below. It’s a peaceful spot to explore and learn more about the area’s history. And if you don’t fancy the full experience, you can still wander up the steep Rampe du Chateau to see the exterior.
Take a photo from Pont Perriere and Pont des Amours





Two of the most iconic photo spots in Annecy are from two of its bridges. Go to Pont Perriere in the old town for a view of the town’s architecture, including the Palais d l’Isle, a prison turned history museum. And Pont des Amours is over the Vassé canal with a view of the lake and mountains one way and the tree-lined canal the other.
Discover the Animation Museum
Before this trip, unbeknown to me, Steve already had Annecy on his bucket list because of its connection to the world of animation. A good place to explore this is the Animation Museum, which showcases the town’s animation heritage and the history of animated films in the region. If you happen to be visiting in June, you might catch the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, one of the biggest events of its kind (and why Steve had the town on his radar).
Stroll Through Annecy’s old town





Annecy’s old town is a maze of cobbled streets, pastel-coloured buildings, and charming canals. Wandering through the area feels like stepping back in time, with picturesque alleyways and cozy cafés on every corner (plus an insane amount of ice cream shops!). Take your time to explore, admire the flower-filled balconies, and enjoy the pretty views. You’ll be taking photos every few steps!
Explore the lake villages


Beyond Annecy itself, there are some other cute lakeside villages to explore, all with unique charms. Options include: Veyrier du Lac, Menthon-St.Bernard, Talloires, Doussard, Duingt and St.Joroiz.
Talloires is known for being the most upmarket of the villages and has a great family-friendly beach with gorgeous views of Chateau de Duingt.
Doussard is a more laidback option with a big campsite and plenty of watersports hire companies. It’s also a good starting point to take a walk in the nature reserve – Reserve Naturelle du Bout-du-Monde where they have raised walkways and you might spot beavers!
Duingt is a quieter escape where you can see the iconic chateau up close and get great views from Grotte de Notre Dame. You could easily spend a day village hopping, and it’s something we’d definitely recommend hiring a bike for.
Take a day trip to Geneva
Only 30 minutes from Annecy, Geneva makes for an easy day trip if you fancy exploring a bit further afield and spending time in a larger city. Known for its international organisations, luxury shopping, and gorgeous lakeside views, it’s a different kind of vibe from Annecy and adds a Swiss twist to your trip.
I visited Geneva back when I used to work for the Red Cross and loved exploring its position as a centre for humanitarian aid (and of course eating all the fondue!).
Things to do in Annecy with kids
Annecy is a brilliant place to visit with kids – the fairytale setting captures their imagination, and the lake and its nature offer all sorts of fun activities. Plus I’ve never been somewhere with so many ice cream shops! Here are some ideas for things to do in Annecy with kids.
Ride the carousel and horse bikes in Jardins de l’Europe




A carousel is always a winner with our kids, and I’m a sucker for their charms, so can be relied upon to say yes! You can find Annecy’s carousel in Jardins de l’Europe where it’s been since 1871. It’s a good activity to pair with a picnic in the park. Also, further towards the lake, there’s a place where you can hire little pony bikes, which look like a lot of fun.
Treetop Adventures at Acro Aventures Quintal


For a more adventurous day out, head to Acro Aventures Quintal. This treetop adventure park has netted courses perfect for younger kids, but is plenty of fun for older kids (and adults!) too. We all had great fun playing in a ball pit amid the treetops! And the shady forest setting proved to be the perfect place to escape the midday summer heat. There’s also a wired version near Talloires for older children and adults.
Discover Annecy’s playgrounds


Annecy is full of playgrounds, which goes a long way in making it an easy holiday for family travellers. Two of the best ones are in Jardins de l’Europe, on either side of Pont des Amours, offering plenty of space for kids to run around, climb, and play. There’s another good playground just above the old town, which is good for a break inbetween exploring.
Spend time on the beaches





There are some great beaches around Lake Annecy where you could spend a whole day or take a break while cycling around. Talloires is home to a wonderful family-friendly beach with floating platforms and a waterslide on the lake. For younger kids, there’s also a paddling pool. And Chiringuito is a good spot for refreshments.
Another popular beach option for families is Plage de Doussard where there’s a big campsite and lots of hire companies offering pedalos, kayaks, paddleboards and more. We took a pedalo out at Doussard, but found the water really choppy, so would recommend doing that at Annecy instead where the water was much calmer (it’s pretty tricky getting back on a pedalo in the waves!)
Plage St. Jorioz is also popular with families and is the only beach on Lake Annecy with sand, making it an ideal spot for building sandcastles or lounging by the water. And finally, there’s Duingt where the water is shallower and perfect for little kids.
Where to eat and drink in Annecy
Glacier des Alpes

No trip to Annecy is complete without a stop at one of the many ice cream shops (seriously, I’ve never seen so many in such a small area!). Glacier des Alpes was my favourite, but the kids liked some of the bigger ones because they had more flavours (but if you’re looking quality rather than quantity, then Glacier des Alpes is definitely the one).
Café des Arts

For a relaxed moment in the old town, grab a coffee at Café des Arts. Sit back, enjoy a coffee, and do some people watching. We even saw artists sketching, which couldn’t have been more apt.
Savoie Specialties at Le Fréti and Le Zinc



When in Annecy, make sure to try some traditional Savoie dishes like fondue and raclette. Le Fréti is the most popular spot of all, or try the slightly quieter, but still excellent, Le Zinc. While certainly well touristed, both offer cosy, authentic dining experiences.
Picnic in Jardins de l’Europe
On market days, gather a selection of local goods—fresh cheeses, bread, fruits—and enjoy a picnic in Jardins de l’Europe. It’s a great way to enjoy the best local flavours while relaxing in one of Annecy’s most beautiful parks.
Dip Honest Food
For a more trendy dining experience, visit Dip Honest Food. This Aussie-style café has healthy, delicious dishes with hipster flair—perfect for brunch or a light meal.
Pastries from Boulangerie Rouge or Pan & Gato

Start your day with fresh pastries from Boulangerie Rouge or Pan & Gato. Both are well regarded as the best in town.
Les Jardins de Taillefer


Ah, I’m so sad we missed out on eating at this one! Les Jardins de Taillefer near Doussard has exceptional reviews and a gorgeous setting. The veggie restaurant has a menu of farm-to-table dishes made from ingredients grown on-site. But it stops serving at 1:45pm, so don’t dilly dally like us, and be sure to get there on time! The garden setting is gorgeous, and they also have place you can stay the night.
Lakeside drinks at Chiringuito



If you visit Talloires, don’t miss Chiringuito, a fun lakeside beach bar where you can sip drinks and eat casual food by the water with a view of the chateau.
Auberge du Père Bise
For the ultimate fancy Lake Annecy meal, head to 2-Michelin-starred Le Restaurant de Jean Sulpice in the Auberge du Père Bise hotel. They also have a second restaurant, Le 1903, which is slightly more affordable but still exquisite.
Where to stay in Annecy



We did a home exchange while visiting Annecy (see our guide to Home Exchange). But here are some other places that come highly recommended:
- Les Jardins de Taillefer – we can vouch that the restaurant garden is super charming, and I noticed they have some cute places to stay too. This would be very convenient for the cycle path and Doussard. Find the latest deals and book now.
- Impérial Palace – fancy 4-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Annecy, with breathtaking views, fine dining, a spa, and a casino. Find the latest deals and book now.
- Hôtel Catalpa – charming 3-star hotel has a cosy atmosphere, excellent breakfast, and a peaceful location close to both the lake and the old town. Find the latest deals and book now.
- Atipik Hôtel Alexandra – centrally located boutique hotel with affordable, modern rooms and friendly service. Find the latest deals and book now.
- Auberge de Jeunesse Annecy – hostel with dorms and private rooms, a short walk from the lake and close to public transport. Find the latest deals and book now.
- Les Loges Annecy Vieille Ville – luxurious self-catered apartments in the heart of Annecy’s old town. Find the latest deals and book now.
All our France travel tips
Itineraries: How to plan a France road trip | 10 gorgeous France itineraries | Colourful Europe road trip (France, Switzerland and Italy) | Provence road trip | West Coast France Road Trip
City and accommodation guides: Annecy travel guide | Colmar and Eguisheim travel guide | France family surf camp | Chateau Les Carrasses review
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